LockFirst

LockFirst is a mobile + web app that enforces pay-yourself-first without pretending budgeting is fun. You connect your bank via Plaid, set a “protected savings” target, and the app automatically sweeps money into a high-yield savings account on payday (or whenever income hits). The twist: it also creates a realistic “spendable balance” by subtracting upcoming bills and the protected savings amount, then shows that number prominently so users stop overspending by accident. If cash flow is tight, LockFirst throttles transfers instead of overdrafting you, and it explains why in plain language. It includes a simple rule builder (e.g., 12% of net deposits, plus $25 on weeks you don’t eat out) and a weekly check-in that takes under 60 seconds. It’s a traditional app with light AI for income detection and transfer tuning.